The Crystal Bible

Book Preface

Everyone is attracted to gemstones. Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires are prized the world over. These are indeed precious stones; they uplift the heart. Their brightness is what most people think of when they hear the word “crystal.” Equally prized are the semiprecious stones such as Carnelian, Garnet, Rock Crystal, and Lapis Lazuli. They have been used for ornamentation and as a symbol of power for thousands of years. But such crystals were valued for more than their beauty-they each had a sacred meaning. In ancient cultures their healing properties were as important as their ability to adorn.
Crystals still have the same properties today but not all are as flamboyant as gemstones. There are quieter, less outwardly attractive crystals that are nonetheless extremely powerful. Gemstones themselves can easily be overlooked when in their natural, uncut state but their attributes remain the same, and an uncut Sapphire,Jor instance, which costs a fraction of the price of a faceted stone, is as effective as the most scintillating cut gem.
Most people are familiar with the crystals that have been around for years such as Amethyst, Malachite, and Obsidian but nowadays new crystals such as Larimar, Petalite, and Phenacite are finding their way into stores. These are “stones for the New Age.” They have made themselves known to facilitate the evolution of the earth and all those upon it. These crystals have an extremely high vibration that raises consciousness and opens the higher chakras* to communicate with other dimensions. Knowing how to use these crystals is vital if you are to make use of the gifts they offer.
This book has been divided into sections that will help you to find your way around the crystal kingdom. Containing everything you could ever need to know, these sections tell you about the delights of crystals, their healing use and decorative features, how they were formed, and how to take care of them. There is a Crystal Reference at the front so that you can look up a particular crystal by the name by which you know it, and then find its properties in an extensive Directory section, which also enables you to identify crystals. The comprehensive Index at the back is cross-referenced to symptoms and attributes; you can use this to find a crystal for a specific task, or for your particular purpose. The Glossary on defines terms that you may not be familiar with.
Crystals come in numerous shapes and many of these have now been given names that signify their function, such as channeling or abundance crystals. if you want to identify a particular facet shape or to know what a certain type of crystal/oaks like, browse through Crystal Shapes. This section is followed by Quick Reference pages that give you useful information such as the Body and Zodiac Crystal Correspondences,
Gem Remedies, Healing Layouts, and a Love Ritual.

CRYSTAL BACKGROUND
The more you understand about crystals, the more effective they are. In this section you will find background information on how crystals are formed, advice on how to choose and care for your crystals; how to use them for healing and decoration, and the way to dedicate them.
Dedicating and programming your crystals helps them to work more efficiently. It is part of the ritual of working with crystals. As crystals are powerful beings in their own right, they need to be approached with respect. If you do this, they will be only too pleased to cooperate with you. Many people like to have a “crystal day” when they cleanse their crystals and then meditate with them to attune more strongly to their energy. Doing this regularly enables your crystals to talk to you and to show you how you can use them to enhance your life and well-being.
Ta king the time to cleanse your crystals is extremely important.
Crystals are efficient absorbers and transmitters of energy. One of their functions is to cleanse and transmute negative energies. If you leave your crystals to do this without regu lar cleansing, most become
satu rated and unable to do their work, though a few are self-cleaning.